In a year that witnessed Team GB bring home 120 medals from the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Edinburgh Leisure is launching a new programme of disability sport that serves as a fitting legacy to this year's Paralympic achievement.

'High Flyers' is an exciting new initiative, funded by The City of Edinburgh Council, that intends to make a positive difference to communities by creating opportunities for children and young people in Edinburgh with a disability to get active, stay active and achieve more.

The programme will be officially launched in Edinburgh on Saturday 27th October at a free public event to showcase the sports on offer, give participants the opportunity to sample the activities and meet the coaches.*

Initially High Flyers will offer classes in gymnastics, athletics and tennis with the intention to introduce and develop additional sports at the start of 2013.

Edinburgh Leisure Chief Executive John Comiskey said: "Edinburgh Leisure is delighted to be delivering this exciting new High Flyers programme which will encourage more people with disabilities to become involved in sport at grass root level and help our city continue to contribute to the paralympic success story we witnessed at London 2012."

Edinburgh Leisure Disability Sport Coordinator Heather Williams added: "Working closely with Scottish Disability Sport and existing sport clubs, High Flyers aims to bridge the gap between grass roots and sport club engagement and promote progression from 'Playground to Podium' – as officially recognised by Scottish Disability Sport."

Experienced, qualified coaches will deliver tailored sessions with the support of Edinburgh Leisure's volunteer 'buddies' who will encourage confidence, skill development and provide one to one support where necessary.

Cllr Richard Lewis, Culture & Leisure convener, said: "Having attended the inspirational Sports Spectacular event held at Meadowbank during the Paralympic flame festival in August, I was able to witness first hand the great variety of disability sport on offer in Edinburgh and I hope that, through this exciting new initiative, we can encourage more people with disabilities to get involved and enjoy the benefits that sport and physical activity can bring."